Food banks provide a safety net for many people who are unable to purchase food due to poverty or an emergency situation. They also provide a great way for both manufacturers and retail stores to use their surplus merchandise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 96 billion pounds of food are wasted every year. Food banks use some of the food and grocery products that would otherwise be wasted and distribute them to needy people. There are many ways to get involved and help at a national or local level so that the food banks can feed as many people as possible.

Food banks take in both perishable and non-perishable foods including produce, frozen items, and bakery goods from national distributors, corporations, and individual donors. These items are often donated by retailers and corporations because they are surplus stock or slightly damaged, but still useable. The food banks store and distribute those items to non-profit agencies such as church or community groups so that they reach those people in need. Although food banks are a lifeline for unemployed and the homeless, food banks serve 36% of their clients with at least one working member of the household according to America’s Second Harvest. Many United States government agencies as well as state government agencies contract with food banks to distribute USDA surplus goods.

Emergency food banks are often set up when disaster strikes to help the local community with its short-term needs. These allow people to focus on other things during a fire, flood, or other disaster while they provide adequate food for affected families.

America’s Second HarvestAmerica’s Second Harvest is the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the United States.

It is headquartered in Chicago, Illinoisand takes in large donations from suppliers and corporations and then distributes those donations to over 200 food banks and food rescue groups across the country and in Puerto Rico. These food organizations reach nearly every county in the United States. According to America’s Second Harvest, 35 million Americans, including 9 million children go hungry every day. Their network of food banks distributed 2 billion pounds of food and grocery products in 2005.

America’s Second Harvest works as the middle-man, taking in larger donations than smaller food banks can handle, and distributing them in smaller quantities to community food banks across the country. These local food banks then distribute them to food programs throughout the community.

How to DonateThere are many ways to donate to your local food bank, and not all of them require money. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are things you can do to help food banks across the country by donating your time or expertise. If you want to donate funds on a national level, you can go to the America’s Second Harvest website at secondharvest.org. They have a local food bank finder on their website where you can type in your zip code and locate food banks in your area. Many state and city food banks operate websites which have information on the best way to donate.

Donate Funds - The quickest and easiest way to donate is by credit card, either on the organization’s website or over the phone. Donations made this way can either be a one time sum, or a monthly contribution. You can also donate funds by check and mail it to the food bank of your choice or even walk in and hand them your donation at a local office. No matter which method you choose to donate money to a food organization, you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for you to use at tax time. There are many memorial funds so that you can donate in memory of a loved one, and many larger food banks offer corporate matching programs. Some state tax forms have a space where you can choose to donate part of your tax refund to a local food bank organization.

Donate Food - Large amounts of food and grocery products are often sent through a larger food rescue organization such as America’s Second Harvest. Corporations that have excess food can give to these organizations so that they are broken down into useable sizes. This is a great way for companies to use perishable food before it goes to waste. Individuals or small companies can drop off donations directly at the local food bank or look for donation bins in major supermarkets. When you go grocery shopping, buy a few extra cans and simply deposit them in the bin on your way out of the store.

Make sure that the food you buy for these collection locations is non-perishable and nutritious. Canned vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, canned meats such as tuna or chicken, and packaged juices are all particularly welcome. Bins are often set up in supermarkets, shopping malls, and many schools and offices during the holiday season.

Donate Time - There are many ways to donate your time and skills to your local food bank and this is a great way to get the whole family involved. You can help serve meals at the local distribution center, or help repackage donated goods for distribution to these organizations. You can help transport food and supplies from your food bank to the distribution point. Clerical or office work is usually a very welcome way to volunteer. You can also help out at a food bank event by manning a booth at a local fair or picking up bins at a food drive. If you have a special skill such as photography or painting, check with your local food bank to see if they can put you to work. Someone with typing skills or computer graphic experience will always be welcome when putting together press kits or other organizational materials.

Hold a Food Drive - Food drives are needed all year, not just during the holiday season. A great way to help out our food banks is to help organize a food drive for your church, school, or community organization. Most local food banks will drop off the empty donations bins before the event and pick them up once they are full. You can include them as part of a school fundraiser or festival, or as part of a scouting event that provides a community service element. This is a fun and easy way to get involved.

Food banks serve many Americans and provide a bridge for many families who might otherwise go hungry. According to the Urban Institute, nearly half of all non-senior food bank clients in 2001 consisted of working families with children. Food banks are a safe, convenient way for hungry people to get the food they need. There are many ways to get involved, from donating money online to running a food drive for your community organization. Access to good, nutritional food is one of the fundamental rights of living, and your local food bank is instrumental in making this happen for everyone.

Are You Generous Or Greedy?"Greedy gut, greedy gut, gonna eat the whole world up," is a childhood chant that rings true in the lifestyles of people everywhere. Greed pervades countries, corporations and individuals. Luckily generosity lives, too. How greedy are you? Answer the questions honestly to find out if greed or generosity rules your life.